Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, sent the following message to University staff and students today (24 February 2021):
"Dear students and colleagues,
The University of Iceland Emergency Response Board met today to review the new regulation from the Minister of Health. Among other things, this regulation relaxes the restrictions affecting universities. This change is extremely welcome and enters into effect today. The regulation has the following consequences for the University of Iceland:
- Teaching and learning is permitted in all University buildings, on condition that students and staff can maintain a distance of 1 metre.
- The number of students and staff members in a single classroom or study room must not exceed 150.
- Mixing of students and teaching staff between groups is permitted.
- Where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1 metre, facemasks must be worn.
- The number of staff members in each space must not exceed 50.
- Staff are permitted to move between groups.
- There are no limits on the number of people permitted in common spaces, such as entrances, toilets and corridors, on the condition that people wear facemasks.
- Practical teaching and clinical training, where it is not possible to maintain a distance, is permitted on the condition that students and teaching staff wear facemasks and take steps to prevent infection.
Common surfaces in University classrooms will be disinfected between classes. All shared equipment and common surfaces at the University will be disinfected at least once a day.
Further details of the implementation of this new regulation are being planned for individual buildings at the University. This work will most likely be completed before the start of next week, Monday 1 March. Schools, faculties, study programs and teaching staff on individual courses are responsible for organising teaching within this new framework.
Dear students and colleagues,
In light of this positive development, I warmly welcome you all back to the University campus, but I must impress upon you the importance of following the aforementioned rules and taking care to prevent infection.
Good luck to you all.
Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector"